Prologue
A candle flame guttered as a faint breath of air wafted by disturbing it. The air was thick with urgency. Voices floated into the hall; someone had been careless enough to leave the door ajar. The assembled men were jubilant and loud—tonight they would celebrate!
A man stood at the center of the room basking the revelry. His most cherished dream had finally become a reality, and he could not be more pleased with the result! “Tonight, we feast! The pretense will no longer be worn. Ynséa is mine!” He laughed with ecstasy and threw back a measure of ale to celebrate. All of the men gathered around him cheered wildly. This day had been a long time coming, and they were as eager to celebrate as their master.
A mouse-like, simpering man pushed his way through the ruckus and raised his voice to be heard over the din. “You are where you deserve to be, Iemond. Ynséa would be nothing but a hollow husk without you!” His grin was broad and glowing.
Iemond turned his sharp-eyed gaze on this man. He saw his vacant grin and snorted. “Kayson, I would have asked for your input had I thought it needed. As such, you have never been more than a wavering sycophant. Be gone from my sight, your presence is making me ill.” His eyes were cold, and he waved his hand dismissively at him as if he were nothing but a bothersome gnat buzzing about his ear.
The cowardly man shrank before the benign gesture as if he had been struck. He backed away quickly, a look of absolute terror written on his ghostly pale countenance.
A figure crouched by the door, listening intently to the discourse. They had to duck into the shadows—only just in time to avoid detection from the fleeing Kayson. No alarm was raised within the room, and the door swung slowly on silent hinges. With that done, the conversation continued loud and boisterous as ever.
Iemond especially, was glowing with pride and satisfaction. He enjoyed the rush that displays of his power gave him. That was why he tolerated keeping Kayson around; the man never failed to delight him with his supreme cowardice. He was proud of all he had accomplished and his reputation. He was finally the man that he knew that he would someday become. All his careful planning was finally coming to fruition. He spread his hands wide, drawing the attention of his audience back to him.
“Under its wholesome exterior, Ynséa has been key in funding my most profitable and favorite ventures! If only my clueless brother knew how often I fixed the accounting ledgers. I know he would faint if he knew just how much of his beloved gold was being funneled into illegal market trade!” He allowed himself an indulgent chuckle.
His men nodded emphatically his greed mirrored in their expectant eyes.
Iemond smiled serenely. “I am proud of all that I have accomplished but…” His expression changed suddenly to worry. “I still must find a way to rid myself of my meddling nieces.” He paced the room quickly before stopping to warm up for a moment before the fire. He heard a volley of whispers behind him.
“I will be happy to take care of them for you, Sir.” The voice was soft, but with a deadly edge to it. Iemond did not turn to look at this man. He did not want to validate his proposition just yet, so he let him continue. “Think of it as a small repayment for all that you have done for us. It will be no trouble at all. In fact, I believe that I would enjoy it very much.”
Iemond chuckled at the barely contained eagerness in his voice. He had expected as much from this particular mercenary; his want for bloodshed was well known in this circle. He waited a moment before turning to reveal his consenting smile.
“You would be wise to take the younger one first. Perhaps once she is dealt with, we could convince the others to cooperate with us.” His laugh was black, and he could not keep the lust from shinning in his eyes.
The whispers of excitement grew, and his mercenary flashed him a wicked grin. “Shall we proceed tonight? They do pose a significant risk to you and your purpose, Iemond.”
Iemond could not deny the truth in his words, but an eager cry cut off his chance to speak. “I will help!” It was clear this man was unreasonably intoxicated. His speech was slurred, and his movements were heavy. He punctuated his enthusiasm with the sound of grating steel. It rang out clearly in the suddenly. His movements were exaggerated and careless. “Oh, the joy it will bring me!”
The expectation that had been building on Iemond’s face vanished in the blink of an eye. The full weight of his gaze fell upon this hapless creature. He was cruel, but he was no fool. He advanced quickly; this man was a liability. No good would come if this man were allowed to do as he wished. His voice was hard. “You will do no such thing!”
In an instant his dagger was in his hand. The firelight reflected of the blade like old blood. He pivoted, and the blade bit deeply into unresisting flesh. He stepped aside quickly to avoid the wash of dark blood that flowed from the ruined skin and muscle of his throat. His eyes were wide in shock at what Iemond had done. He slumped to the ground bleeding and twitching violently. He would no longer be a danger to Iemond or his plans due to his slovenly behavior.
He wiped his blade clean with a white handkerchief that he casually pulled from his pocket. His eyes darted around the room daring anyone else to assess his resolve. Satisfied, he threw the ruined cloth into the fire. “Tonight, my rule will forever be secured!”
A sudden crash of glass shattering in the hallway alerted everyone to the fact that the exploits of the evening had not gone unnoticed. The sound of hastily retreating feet turned Iemond’s blood to ice. His plans had finally become a reality; how could he have been so foolish to let anyone overhear his plans? He sprang into action. This misstep had to be corrected immediately. His plans could fall to pieces if his nieces knew what he had in store for them. The chase was on. No lives would be spared. This kingdom was his!
Torches were hoisted and swords were drawn. Iemond has a sizable force at his disposal, and he would use all available resources to remain safely in his hard-won station. He would use force and bloodshed at will. He could not fail!
